Climate of fear

In holding its inquiry into our energy supply matters, the Royal Society of Edinburgh is taking account of our “international obligations to take action on climate change,” bearing in mind the Westminster and Holyrood Governments’ acceptance of the (unproven) hypotheses that unfavourable climate changes are, to a significant degree, based on release of CO2 etc (Friends of the Scotsman, 15 August).

We presently subscribe to the EU’S and Scottish government’s targets for greenhouse gases reduction, but could that well-meant commitment really be of tangible benefit to the world’s climate, or is it just “virtue-signalling,” of no significant value? Our CO2 output is but a tiny proportion of the global total; the “big emitters,” nations not following suit, would certainly not learn from our “good” example. The intentions to close fossil fuel power stations are posing tremendous threats to our vital electricity supplies, which cannot be met by the small, intermittent contribution from wind and seawaterpowered turbines. In North America, using shale gas has reduced CO2 output and greatly benefited the US economy.

Our UK nations are in terrible debt, which poses severe threats to our financial stability. Part of our ongoing borrowing could be helped by recognising the impracticality of our curtailment of greenhouse gas release. Surely, in all common and financial sense, we must consider repeal of the Climate Change Acts?

ISABEL AND CHARLES WARDROP Viewlands Road West, Perth